Why Ukrainian military personnel are criticising Defence Ministry for proposed army reform

Ukraine's Ministry of Defence has unveiled a long-awaited military reform package, introducing new contracts, fixed service terms for the first time, and increased payments. The announcement on June 12 has drawn mixed reactions, with some service members thanking the team for tackling deep-seated issues, while many others have sharply criticized the proposals.

The core of the reform includes new contracts varying in length: 6-14 months for infantry and assault troops, and 24 months for all other military specializations. Upon contract completion, service members will receive a guaranteed deferral from mobilization for at least six months. A cumulative deferral system is also being introduced, potentially extending to several years based on time spent in service and combat.

Other key changes allow service members who have gone absent without leave to return directly to sought-after brigades without intermediary stages, a temporary measure until September 2026. Soldiers and sergeants will gain the right to transfer automatically within their corps via the Army+ app, though this option is not available to officers. Additionally, some categories of personnel, particularly rear-echelon staff, will see higher pay.

Ukrainska Pravda spoke with approximately 30 service members across various positions and levels. While some acknowledge the potential benefits and intend to continue serving, convinced the war will not end soon, a significant number expressed strong grievances. These criticisms, often direct and emotional, highlight potential misinterpretations of the proposed changes and concerns about their practical implementation.

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